The effect of buprenorphine on isoflurane minimum alveolar concentration in dogs

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the effect of intravenous (IV) buprenorphine on the isoflurane (ISO) minimum alveolar concentration (ISOMAC) in dogs. Study designRandomized, crossover, design. AnimalsSix healthy, adult (2–3 years old), intact dogs (two males and four females) weighing 7.4–11.0 kg. MethodsEach dog was studied on three occasions, 1 week apart, and baseline ISOMAC (MACB) was determined on each occasion. ISOMAC was defined as the mean of the end-tidal ISO concentrations that prevented and allowed purposeful movement in response to a noxious stimulus. After MACB determination, dogs were randomly given buprenorphine (BUP) at either 0.01, 0.05 or 0.1 mg kg−1 IV, and ISOMAC was determined at two time periods after BUP administration. The first post-treatment determination (MACT1) was initiated 45 minutes after BUP administration and the second determination (MACT2) was initiated 4 hours after BUP administration. MAC values were determined in duplicate and the mean values were used for statistical analysis. ResultsIsoflurane minimum alveolar concentration was decreased at 141 minutes (the time of MACT1 determination) by 25%, 35%, and 27% after administration of BUP at 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 mg kg−1, respectively (p ≤ 0.05). The MAC reductions were not statistically different among doses. The reductions in ISOMAC at 342 minutes (the time of MACT2 determination) ranged from 13 to 16%, and were not statistically different among doses. Conclusions and clinical significanceBuprenorphine at 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 mg kg−1 significantly decreased ISOMAC in dogs at 141 minutes but not at 342 minutes. When using BUP for MAC reduction re-dosing may be required for procedures of long duration, and there may be no advantage to using the 0.1 mg kg−1 dose.